What can I do?

Betty Spiers Sands

Some time ago The Christian Science Monitor ran a focus on the incarceration of juveniles. Juvenile Hall in my city was included in this coverage, and I asked God, "What can I do?" The answer soon came to call the facility and offer to teach a Bible class, and I was put to work the evening of my interview. So began a five-year challenging yet satisfying experience.

There were from ten to forty immates in my once-a-week class. I prepared lessons for distribution and gave away many paperback Bibles, in each of which I had marked refreshing and comforting verses. We read to each other these Bibles, some with great effort, in order to gain a semblance of Scriptural continuity. Questions were numerous, a wide range of topics was discussed, and many doubts and fears were put to rest. The young men recognized that when we don't do what's right, there is a price to pay. They also agreed that we must all go forward with lessons learned and heads held high. Forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, was acknowledged as an important factor in moving beyond one's mistakes.

Once when discussing the Fifth Commandment—"Honour thy father and thy mother"—one boy piped up, "If I had not obeyed my parents, I wouldn't be here." The others were quietly concerned, but that led to a discussion of God as our real Father-Mother forever. Mary Baker Eddy writes in Miscellaneous Writings, "Honor thy Father and Mother, God. Continue in His love" (p. 154).

There were also lively discussions about appreciating ourselves as God's representatives with a natural desire to help our fellowman at His direction. Only a few times did tempers flare or fists threaten. Usually our thoughtful discussions brought calm. And several times boys gently stated, "You're just like my grandma."

We can be alert to those in need around us and turn to God for specific guidance. There's always a way to help one another, to comfort one another, to heal one another.

Betty Spiers Sands
San Luis Obispo, California

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